Sustainability at #EvalC17 by Kim Walker

As evaluators, we aim to create positive and lasting benefits from our conference – not only for the Canadian Evaluation Society and our 2017 conference participants, but also for the businesses, people and places we encounter along the way.

The Sustainability Sub-Committee has been working with other members of the CES 2017 Conference Planning Committee to maximize our contributions toward environmental benefits, social development and green economy initiatives throughout our conference site and off-site activities.

Here are just some of the things we’re doing to highlight sustainability at this year’s conference:

Encouraging alternative forms of local and regional travel, including using Vancouver’s excellent transit system (Sky Train, BC Ferries, buses), the local Ride-Share, as well as walking and biking to get around in the city (with bikes for rent available through the Westin Bayshore or through Spokes Bicycle Rentals), and using Harbour Air, a carbon neutral airline, to travel between Vancouver Island and the mainland

Upcycled delegate bags from Common Thread, a local social enterprise that creates conference bags from retired street banners as well as provides employment and coaching for newcomers to Canada, people living with mental illness and others. To reduce paper waste and unnecessary swag, conference bags are available for optional purchase when you register online or at the registration desk.

Online conference program available either through our handy mobile app [coming soon] (compatible with all devices) as well as in PDF form, also to reduce paper waste. Printed copies are still available for purchase at $15.00 at the conference. So far, 85% of conference attendees have opted to “go green” by using online options.

Hotel housekeeping – get a $5 voucher for each night you decline housekeeping at participating food and beverage outlets or 500 Starpoints® through the Westin Bayshore’s Green Choice Program

@StrongRoots_SK @Broadleafc I can't believe it's been 10 episodes of @evalcafe already! Also, we just confirmed that we're going to be recording a session at @CES_SCE_c2018. Fitting, since this whole thing got kicked off at #EvalC17! Follow @evalcafe for more details as they come. ;)